Unknown Window Streaking - How to Fix?

[McDermut]

I've had this streaking on my driver's window since I've been driving the car. It's not been a hazard, more like an annoyance as it doesn't obstruct my view that much. However I would like to see about getting rid of it and having a normal-looking window with no concerns of it becoming any more of a risk. It appears to be only on the exterior side of the window, and your everyday automotive glass cleaner doesn't seem to have any effect on the streaking. Is there an issue with the window mechanism and how can I get rid of this?

Any and all comments are greatly appreciated!

 

[George B]

Can you clean it off? I suspect you can and it returns.

 

[Bill 1960]

Mine came to me with some kind of cloudy, hazy material on the driver’s window and a bit on the windshield. I have found no chemical solution, alcohol, acids, solvents, nothing affects it. But I can scrape it off with a razorblade scraper and a lot of pressure. What comes off is white and gritty or crystaline. Steel wool and a lot of elbow grease gets it too. I have no idea what this stuff is but it’s tenacious.

 

[YukonGTmaster]

My guess is someone contaminated the outer window seal with some kind of “Lube” to stop it squeaking. I would try having the window rolled all the way down, and get a clean lint free cloth saturated in rubbing alcohol, and try and scrub the inside of those seals where they ride on the window. Like Bill 1960 said, a razor blade scraper and a cleaner to lubricate the surface as you carefully scrape.

 

[OR VietVet]

Use Bon Ami and water and clean it thoroughly and maybe do it 2 times. Bon Ami will not scratch it, like other cleansers like Comet.....I do my windshield with it to whenever I replace blades. Works every time.

 

[bill1013]

I recently had a similar problem. The wife thought it was hard water, but vinegar wouldn't take it off neither did mild abrasives. The wife got out an old bottle of this stuff called "Diamond Magic" and it took everything off. The windows are clean and clear as the day it was made, I bought it used and the windows weren't in the best shape. But this stuff works really good. I used a green synthetic scrubbing pad along with an ample amount of Diamond Magic. I would suggest wearing rubber gloves when you use it as I didn't and my callouses, along with a few layers of old skin, came off in the days afterwards. Got up one morning and my hands looked like I had Leprosy, LOL!

 

[OR VietVet]

Diamond Magic: https://www.amazon.com/Diamond-Magi...jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Bon Ami: https://www.amazon.com/Bon-Ami-Natu...jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

 

[swathdiver]

I've had this streaking on my driver's window since I've been driving the car. It's not been a hazard, more like an annoyance as it doesn't obstruct my view that much. However I would like to see about getting rid of it and having a normal-looking window with no concerns of it becoming any more of a risk. It appears to be only on the exterior side of the window, and your everyday automotive glass cleaner doesn't seem to have any effect on the streaking. Is there an issue with the window mechanism and how can I get rid of this?

Any and all comments are greatly appreciated!

When I was a kid, I used White Polishing Compound by Turtle Wax to get all that and the salt air crud build up off my glass. Never thought of Bon Ami but that's not a bad idea either, sure keeps our copper pots clean!

 

[OR VietVet]

I have been using Bon Ami to clean the crud off of w/s for over 30 years. Every time I put a new set of wipers on, the w/s got thoroughly cleaned with Bon Ami and the new wipers would then have a completely clean w/s to work with and very clean swipes with no streaking. I also always use the little alcohol wipe on the blade when they are new.

I now also use AquaPel glass treatment so that the water literally wants to slide ride off. @Rocket Man turned me on to that and I have spread the word here locally.

 

[exp500]

On the right track , don't forget to wash outer seal. Iso Alcohol usually works.